A new fantasy baseball season is upon us, bringing the annual quest to assemble a championship-worthy roster. Whether you’re aiming to defend your title or establish newfound league dominance, draft season is the perfect time to lay the foundation for success. The 2025 season presents fresh challenges and plenty of intrigue, with speed continuing to be a premium at the top of drafts. While the top spot is no surprise, the first few rounds are much tighter than in previous years. Additionally, several positions—such as first, second, and third base—feature a handful of stars followed by significant uncertainty necessitating filling out those positions strategically. In this ranking of the top 20 hitters, we highlight the best of the best—players who can anchor your fantasy lineup. From perennial MVP candidates to rising stars, these hitters form the first part of our deep dive into the Top 100 Hitters for the 2025 fantasy baseball season.
Top Tier: League Winners
1. Shohei Ohtani
2. Bobby Witt Jr.
3. Jose Ramirez
4. Elly De La Cruz
5. Aaron Judge
This tier consists of league winners—players with the potential to deliver game-changing performances. While we can’t expect Ohtani to repeat his historic 2024 season, even a slight regression would still produce MVP-caliber numbers. Bobby Witt Jr. nearly challenged for the top spot, as he has the tools to deliver a 30/30 season with a .300 average and a ton of runs scored. Meanwhile, Jose Ramirez might be the safest player in this group. He has played 150+ games in each of the past four seasons, averaging 32 home runs and 29 steals per year. The final two players in this tier are elite in their specialties—Aaron Judge is the game’s most powerful slugger, while Elly De La Cruz is a menace on the basepaths. However, both carry slight risk. Judge’s durability remains a lingering concern, and De La Cruz’s aggressive approach makes him volatile. Interestingly, this group combined for an identical 208 home runs and 208 steals in 2024.
Don’t overthink it and draft the player who best fits your strategy.
Next Five: Just Outside the Elite
6. Gunnar Henderson
7. Kyle Tucker
8. Francisco Lindor
9. Juan Soto
10. Mookie Betts
Each of these players have a case for cracking the top five, and slight movement within this tier wouldn’t be surprising. Gunnar Henderson might be one of the highest-floor players entering 2025. He played 150 games in 2023 and missed just three in 2024, nearly producing a 40/20 season. His 88th-percentile sprint speed suggests even more stolen base potential. Gunnar was surprisingly efficient on the base paths last season swiping 21 bags in 25 attempts.
Kyle Tucker and Francisco Lindor have consistently been five-category contributors, despite occasional injuries. Tucker enters a contract year, positioning him for another elite season. Rounding out the top ten are two perennial All-Stars in Juan Soto and Mookie Betts. Soto remains one of the best pure hitters in baseball, though his lack of speed and a slight downgrade in home ballpark keep him just outside the top tier. He’s a no-brainer late in the first round, provided you account for speed with your next pick. Betts, meanwhile, has one of the best lineup spots in baseball, sandwiched between Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman boosting his counting stats significantly.
Power vs. Speed: The Next Wave
11. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
12. Corbin Carroll
13. Yordan Alvarez
14. Julio Rodríguez
15. Bryce Harper
As the first round transitions into the second, fantasy managers drafting at the turn in 12-team leagues will face a crucial decision. Do you take a power hitter with a potential .300+ average (Yordan Alvarez or Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) or a multi-category contributor with some volatility (Corbin Carroll, Julio Rodríguez, or Bryce Harper)? Personally, I like pairing one of each while shifting from prioritizing speed in the first round to targeting high-average, low-risk hitters here. Guerrero Jr. looks poised for a monster contract year. In 2024, he hit .323 with 30 home runs and combined for 201 runs and RBIs. His underlying stats support those numbers, with a league-leading .321 expected batting average and impressive power metrics. If he makes a slight launch angle adjustment, 40 homers could be in play.
Rounding Out the Top 20
16. Fernando Tatis Jr.
17. Ronald Acuña Jr.
18. Jarren Duran
19. Jackson Chourio
20. Jose Altuve
The final group of our top 20 presents a fascinating mix of talent. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. have both been in the conversation for the No. 1 overall hitter in past seasons, but injuries continue to limit their upside. Both should be expected to receive more rest in 2025, slightly capping their ceilings. On the other hand, young outfielders Jarren Duran and Jackson Chourio are bursting onto the fantasy scene. If they continue their upward trajectory, they could be late first-round considerations in 2026. Closing out the top 20 is the ever-reliable Jose Altuve. If you’re looking for a safe 20/20 hitter with a .300 average, Altuve remains one of the best bets in the league. His high floor makes him a valuable pick in any format.
Thanks for joining us as we break down the top 20 hitters for the 2025 fantasy baseball season. Building a strong foundation early will be crucial this year. Who do you have in your top 20? Let us know!
